2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jay Higgins, Iowa

Jay Higgins embodies what Iowa Hawkeye football is all about: physicality, toughness, and execution. He finished second in the country in solo tackles in 2023, announcing himself as a future NFL talent. Jay Higgins could bring immediate value to an NFL team as his scouting report shows unique instincts and production.

Overview, Film Analysis, and 2025 Scouting Report of Iowa Linebacker Jay Higgins

Measurables

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 224 lbs

Player Background

Higgins grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. He played football for Brebeuf Jesuit Prep, where he was named an All-State top-50 player as a junior and senior. He was a first-team All-State linebacker, but he received little attention in the recruiting cycle. Higgins was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports. He received offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, and Central Michigan, but he elected to play for Iowa.

Early in his collegiate career, Jay Higgins made an impact on special teams. Throughout his time at Iowa, he played nearly 500 special teams snaps. After earning limited playing time on defense in 2021 and 2022, Jay Higgins had a breakout year in 2023. He started in all 14 games for the Hawkeyes and recorded a team-leading 171 tackles, which tied the school record. He was named to the All-Big Ten first team.

In his final season at Iowa, Higgins led the team in tackles again with 124. He produced four interceptions and two forced fumbles. He was named the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year. Higgins will go down as one of the most productive linebackers in Iowa History.

Strengths

If Jay Higgins has a superpower, it’s tackling ball carriers. In his last two seasons at Iowa, Higgins produced nearly 300 total tackles. He consistently uses ideal form and does not often allow additional yardage. His stocky frame helps him to win leverage when tackling. Higgins gets downhill quickly once he triggers on plays.

In pass coverage, Higgins shows an impressive ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. He has good ball skills, producing four interceptions in his final season. Higgins allowed a quarterback rating of just 55.2 in 2024, according to PFF. He shows good instincts in run and pass defense and often ends up around the football. Higgins has experience on special teams and shows a high motor in all phases.

Weaknesses

For the most part, Jay Higgins’ weaknesses are the result of his small frame. He has just 31st percentile arm length, which leads to difficulties with shedding blocks quickly. He is undersized for a linebacker at 224 pounds. Higgins is not an exceptional athlete. At the NFL Combine, he ran the slowest 40-yard dash of all participating linebackers. This limits his ability to work sideline to sideline and stick with backs and tight ends in coverage.

Potential Team Fits

• San Francisco 49ers
• Washington Commanders
• Arizona Cardinals

NFL Projection

The ceiling is limited for Jay Higgins in the NFL due to his lack of size and athleticism. However, his instincts and tackling ability make him a reliable depth piece for any NFL defense. Due to his experience on special teams, Higgins can make an immediate impact in the NFL. He projects as an early sixth-round pick.